Lu[C]Ka Love
28. OKAY (TODAY)?

One year later,

TENGS

"When you're 15 minutes away. Use your time well!" chef Juna said firmly.

"Yes, Chef!" answer all students.

"Let's focus! This is the final test for you!" chef Juna.

"Yes, Chef!"

"Focus! Use your sense of taste so that the food you make can satisfy the judges."

"Yes, Chef."

...***...

I don't feel like time is passing. It's been a year since I asked Grandpa Jansen for my wish. I thought I'd choose my heart's wish, which is to be with Lucka. But no! It's too selfish to do. So I decided to continue my education. I decided to go to Chef Juna's cooking academy, Chef Marko's friend. I want to continue my family business, even if only limited to having a small rice stall. I'm sure I can expand my mother's network if I have a good education in cooking. Heart problem, at the moment I don't think about that. Although I can't deny it, I always keep it in my heart. Now I'm fine. And it always will be.

"Love! Love!"

"Eh? Yes, Chef."

"Focus! This is the final test. Focus, Love!"

"Yes, Chef. Sorry..."

Huft, I sighed. Chef Juna was right as portrayed on television. But, he's not a fierce person. He was just being disciplined, and firm. I'm glad to be here. Only 20 people are elected each year.

"When you're 5 minutes away. Look closely at the food you make. Make sure it's before it's given to the jury."

"Yes, Chef."

I didn't expect to be the best. Because there are many better than me. At least I tried. And I'll appreciate every effort I've made in my one year here.

"Thank you to the students who have been struggling for a year here. Today you will be declared to graduate from this cooking academy. However, there are some students who get the best predicate, while studying here. And for this year the best students are given to..."

We all hold hands. Nervousness and unease become one. We've been together for a year. Struggling together to produce different flavors of cuisine than ever before.

"Congratulations to ... Princess Love. You got the best title."

"Yeah! Congratulations to you, Love!!"

Everyone cheered for me. They congratulated me and hugged me. But for some reason, my soul felt empty. I'm happy, very happy. But there feels less.

...***...

After all the graduation celebrations of the cooking academy students, it was time for the disciples to return to meet their already waiting families.

Love seeks the whereabouts of her mother and family.

"Miss!" Alisa waved at Love.

"Iisa?" Love is approaching Alisa. "You're coming? Same as anyone?" Love dizzy looking for the person who came with Alisa.

"With us." Tommy and Chef Marko approach Love and Alisa.

"Tommy? Chef Marko's? You guys coming? Thank you so much for coming."

"Together, Miss," replied Alisa.

"Alisa, I'm not your non anymore. No need to call me that."

"You will always be our lady." Tommy continues.

In addition to Alisa and Tommy, several assistants from the Bahari family also come to congratulate Cinta. Teddy conveys a message from Jansen who is also happy for the graduation of Love.

I'm very happy, many have come to congratulate me. I only stayed there for 3 months. But they didn't forget me. I'm happy .. and I'm fine.

Love meets his family and hugs them one by one. I am so proud of her daughter. Gun and Sri also came. While Tati and Rina, prepare a special dish at home for the graduation celebration of Love.

"Let's go home, Nduk! Bulik Tati has prepared a welcoming party for you."

Love nodded. He said goodbye to Alisa and the others.

...***...

Arriving on the street alley to the house, Love was shocked by the presence of someone who had not met for a long time. Inah returns home first and lets Love meet her special guest today.

"Congratulations to Love. I'm proud of you."

Okay fine! For a moment my brain wanted that the one in front of me was Lucka. But he's not Lucka.

"You're getting bigger." Lucki gave a bouquet of white lilies to Love.

Love accepts it and is still confused by this situation.

"Thank you, Brother."

Without further ado, Lucki hugs Love. A warm and tight hug.

"sister--"

"I miss you, Love. This year it feels so good."

Love can't take Lucki's embrace off. In his heart he hoped that Lucka would come to see him and congratulate him. But it didn't all happen.

Lucki took off his embrace and smiled happily.

"When is brother back? Why not tell me?"

"Emh, about two days ago. I've already notified your mother. And I want to surprise you. Come to your house! I've prepared a little party for you." Lucki grabbed the hand of Love and held it tightly.

I don't know what Love is feeling right now. For a year he had no contact with the Bahari family. But now all the memories of the family are back in the memories of Love.

...***...

Lucki prepares a simple birthday party for Love. Yep, her graduation day from the cooking academy coincided with her birthday.

Love doesn't remember that. Because his birthday last year .. was the worst thing he ever had.

"Happy birthday, Love. You're not a kid anymore. You're 19 years old" said Lucki.

"Have a son! From when that year I'm not a kid anymore, brother! Look out for you!" Love clenched his hands.

The little family of Love plus the kind-hearted neighbors who always accompany the days of Love, increasingly add to the bustling atmosphere of Love's birthday.

Maybe last year was a grey birthday for Love, but this year will be a different year than before.

After chatting with the family of Love, Lucki say goodbye to Love and his family. Love drove Lucki to the front of his alley.

"I'm sorry, brother, my house went into a narrow alley. So brother's car can't get in here."

"Hahaha, it doesn't matter Love. Wouldn't walking feel more romantic than riding in a car."

"Did?" Love rolled her eyes.

What is Brother Lucki talking about? Why talk about romance? We just met again after a year, why is he suddenly-?

"Love..." Lucki stopped his steps.

"Hmm?"

"I know one year ago was a tough year for you. I'm sorry I wasn't with you when you faced that hard time."

"..............." Silent love.

"I don't know what to say. Not that I'm glad you and Lucka parted ways, but that means I still have a chance to have your heart. So, please give me that chance. I'll do my best."

"Sister?"

"We'll just do it slowly, yeah. My feelings for you are still as they used to be..." Lucki kissed Love's forehead, then said goodbye.

Love returned home with heavy steps towards her room. He sat down on the edge of the bed, and thought of many things.

His tears could not stand it. Love cries in silence. Meeting Lucki evokes his memories with Lucka. Since their faces were exactly the same, only their natures were different.

Inah came to her sobbing daughter. I know how her daughter feels right now. Love hugged Inah and cried in her mother's arms.

Even though Love always said she was okay, but her heart was never okay.

Why didn't you come? Wh why? Although my heart hurts, but I still hope you will see me. Miss you. I missed you, Lucka...

The cry of Love grew louder and her embrace of Inah grew tighter. Inah could only gently caress the princess's back.

Meanwhile, somewhere near the house of Love. Someone who was in his car and never came down, is now staring at the bouquet of lilies that he was carrying. The man did not have time to give the flower to someone he had not seen for a long time. Not a chance, just less quickly in taking the opportunity.

The man lowered his face into the wheel, and sobbed. It was a scream of heart that he could not say. Which he cannot reveal. And can only be filled with tears.

I'm sorry, Love. Ii'm sorry...

...©©©©©...

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